Strictly Business Boxing - "Affliction Banned"

“Affliction Banned”
Announces All-Star Broadcast Team
“Affliction Banned” PPV July 19 in Anaheim

SIGNAL HILL, California (July 7, 2008) – “Affliction Banned,” the greatest MMA show of all-time, will feature an all-star broadcast team for its July 19th pay-per-view event, featuring the WAMMA heavyweight championship fight between the most lethal MMA heavyweight of all-time, Russian M1 superstar legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1), and former UFC heavyweight champion Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), live from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Veteran television sports reporter and announcer, Jay Glazer, will handle blow-by-blow action while MMA fighter Frank Trigg serves as color analyst. Former MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy joins Glazer and Trigg as a ringside commentator and to conduct interviews. Legendary Michael Buffer of “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” fame will be the ring announcer.

Glazer is a senior writer for FoxSports.com, sideline reporter for NFL® on Fox® since 2004, and was studio host with Trigg on FSN’s PRIDE® Fighting Championship show.

Trigg is a veteran fighter of several MMA organizations, including UFC® and PRIDE®, as well as color commentator and co-host of MMAWeekly and TAGG radio shows.

McCarthy, who has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, refereed 535 fights during his 14 years as an MMA referee. He started refereeing in the UFC’s® second show in 1994, retired this past December, and is recognized as an MMA ambassador all over the world.

Buffer, arguably the most recognizable ring announcer in the world, has announced many of boxing and wrestling’s greatest events for the past quarter-century.

“Affliction Banned,” presented by Affliction Entertainment, is so stacked with talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN® (Fox Sports Net) in the United States and on The Fight Network in Canada starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET), dubbed “Affliction Live.” Following that is “Affliction Banned” — five incredible fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND,

TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at Honda Center’s Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

To download all video, photos and PR-related media go to: http://www.afflictionbanned.com/media.html

Affliction

Already a mainstay for the most elite athletes, heaviest bands, A-listers and the fashion conscious, Affliction Clothing’s ability to set the bar high in fashion is evident in its collection’s indulgence of style and design, focus on quality, and its trademark series of divinely executed, dark and powerful themes. (www.afflictionclothing.com)

The Trump Organization The Trump Organization encompasses global real estate development and global licensing, sales and marketing, property management, golf course development, entertainment, entertainment and product licensing, brand development as well as restaurants and event planning. Donald J. Trump is the Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, a privately held company in New York. (www.Trump.com)

CONTACTS:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978-664-4482, bobtfc@hotmail.com

Michael Cohen, Exec VP Special Counsel to Donald J. Trump, 212.836.3212, mailto:mcohen@trumporg.com Pamela Rogers, Affliction Clothing, 818.282.5788, http://pr@afflictionclothing.com Ilona Kolesnichenko, Access Media Plus, Russian Media Contact: 917.842.2341 mailto:ilonakoles@gmail.com

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Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski vs. “Big” Ben Rothwell
The Tale of The Pitbull and The Giant

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 30, 2008) – There are a number of reasons not to miss the mega mixed martial arts extravaganza, “Affliction Banned,” this July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California — not least of which is the unbelievable main event — a dream match-up between heavyweight champs Fedor Emelianenko and Tim Sylvia. But the list of transcendent fight talent doesn’t end there. In one of the biggest cards in the history of the sport, the inaugural fight event of Affliction Entertainment will feature an unprecedented line-up of the best MMA combatants competing against each other, including a brutal, full contact bout between the two heavyweight powerhouses, Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski and “Big” Ben Rothwell.

Former UFC® Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski is a 6’ 4”, 240-pound former cop from Belarus with dangerous stand up skills, a brutal right punch, and deft mobility and striking accuracy. Arlovski tears into his opponents, often dealing out devastating damage before the other fighter even has time to recover. Considered one of the top ten ranked heavyweight fighters in the world, “The Pitbull” is one of the world’s most complete MMA fighters, as well as one of its most fearsome. This dreaded competitor gets high marks in grappling ability and massive striking power. He has won notable victories over Tim Sylvia, Paul Buentello, Vladimir Matyushenko, Fabricio Werdum and Wesley “Cabbage” Correira, among others. For his upcoming fight with Rothwell, Arlovski has been training with legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach, who has trained many boxing champions such as Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and Manny Pacquiao. Arlovski’s hard work combined with sheer talent and strong mental preparedness give his opponents plenty to worry about in the ring.

Arlovski will face-off with former IFL® heavyweight standout Ben Rothwell, who is riding an impressive 13-fight winning streak and is currently ranked as the number 10 best heavyweight fighter in the world. At 6'5' and 265 pounds, this gritty, determined Wisconsin native is a force to reckon with in the ring—just ask anyone who has squared off against him. A young fighter full of zest and energy and a personality as big as his frame, Rothwell is one of the most entertaining athletes in MMA—Rothwell never fails to deliver. And he has an impeccable record, rattling off 11 knockouts among his first 17 MMA victories with a flair that crowds eat up. A wicked combination of aggression, power and style drives Rothwell’s numerous victories. The sheer force with which this giant strikes his opponents leads to the frequent knockouts he is famous for. But his brute strength is tempered by a good measure of agility, allowing him to inflict accurate and precise punishment. “Big” Ben’s fierce ring presence and heavy-handedness often has opponents voluntarily choosing to leave the ring to avoid serious injury.

The brawl between the ferocious “Pitbull” and giant “Big” Ben is sure to please sports fans hungry for a truly ballistic competition and a performance full of charisma. These two magnetic, world-class fighters always put on a great show. With their collective striking power and bigger-than-life personalities, these well-matched opponents combine powerful fighting techniques with a spark of showmanship that electrifies their audience. Both fighters are known for their tremendous hard-hitting styles and numerous victories. Their bouts often end in knockouts — explosive, expedient, and purely exciting. On July 19th in Anaheim, fans will bear witness to a dynamic exhibition of prowess, as these two crowd-pleasing and accomplished warriors deal out a gallon of pain for guts and glory for “Affliction Banned.”

“Affliction Banned,” headlined by the WAMMA heavyweight title bout between Russian superstar Fedor Emelianenko and Tim Sylvia, is stacked with so much world-class talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with “Affliction Live,” a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN (Fox Sports Net) starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET) and setting the stage for “Affliction Banned” – five super fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned,” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at the Honda Center Box Office and online at Ticketmaster.com.

To download all video, photos and PR related media go to: http://www.afflictionbanned.com/media.html

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Russia’s Last Emperor vs. The American Maine-iac
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia in “Affliction Banned”

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 26, 2008) – The Cold War might be over, but old rivalries die hard. On July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, two of the world’s greatest MMA super powers will collide when Russia’s Fedor Emelianenko faces off with America’s Tim Sylvia for the WAMMA heavyweight championship.

These two formidable heavyweight champions finally make it into the ring together, in an event as impressive as the two athletes heading the bill — “Affliction Banned.” These two heavy hitters are so accomplished it’s a challenge for them to find competitive opponents. The two are almost perfectly matched in number of professional bouts they’ve fought in, with Sylvia compiling 24 wins and only 4 losses, and Fedor recording 28 wins and 1 loss. It’s hard to imagine what it will be like in the ring with these two monsters of MMA go head-to-head.

Fedor is a powerful, intelligent fighter and technician who doesn’t outwardly show much emotion, but fights (and trains) with a lot of heart. This astounding fighter never retreats, has great takedown and ground control skills, and is the most devastating fighter that MMA has ever seen when he’s on the inside. And Fedor hits very hard, with amazing knockout power in both hands. Unlike most fighters, Fedor is also a master game planner who follows through on the plan, and simply doesn't wilt under pressure, no matter what the circumstances. Fedor’s record is impeccable, losing only once when a referee decided to end a fight early when he sustained a bad cut from an elbow. All in all, Fedor seems virtually unbeatable.

Although Fedor is the top-ranking heavyweight in the world, there’s no doubt that Tim Sylvia is a force to be reckoned with. With a full 8 inches and 30 pounds over Fedor, Sylvia is a monster with an impressive record, surprisingly quick hands and a long reach that many opponents find hard to escape. His size and striking power, coupled with a rock-em sock-em attitude and stamina are a dangerous combination every time he steps in front of an opponent. Trying to regain the championship title in a fight in 2004, Sylvia wouldn’t tap out when Frank Mir locked him in an armbar, even after his arm was snapped. The ref had to put an end the fight, because Sylvia, broken arm and all wouldn’t give up.

Fedor, who has already proved himself in the ring, is looking to earn a different kind of reputation with the American people. “As far as American fans, I'd like them to get to know me personally…not just as a fighter — as a human being as well.' And Sylvia, who has suffered from some criticism and controversy, has a personal, as well as professional, agenda as well — he’s just looking for a little respect. A win against the current world heavyweight champion just might quiet the chatter and earn him the respect he yearns for. In Sylvia’s own words, “It’s time to see if Fedor still has what it takes to be #1.”

On the evening of July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, the MMA mega-event of all times —“Affliction Banned”— promises to bear this out.

“Affliction Banned” is stacked with so much world-class talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with “Affliction Live,” a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN (Fox Sports Net) starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET) and setting the stage for “Affliction Banned” – five super fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

The heavy metal band Megadeth, led by frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine, will be performing live at the event.

“Affliction Banned” will be distributed on Pay-Per-View and air live (9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT) on cable and satellite viewing in the USA and Canada via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice for a suggested retail price of $39.95. The telecast will be available in both standard and high definition television.

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Megadeth To Perform At Affliction Banned
July 19 PPV in Anaheim

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 19, 2008) – Affliction Entertainment, scheduled to make MMA history on July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim with the greatest line-up of mixed-martial-arts fights ever presented in one night, keeps building this event with the latest news—heavy metal band Megadeth, led by frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine, will be performing live at the event.

The platinum selling band, Megadeth has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and will electrify the audience with a special highlight performance. Known for their distinctive, in-your-face guitar solos, snarling vocal style and dark lyrical themes, Megadeth is sure to resonate with the “Affliction Banned” fan base and intensify the already action-packed event.

“Affliction Banned”, a mixed-martial-arts pay-per-view event in association with Roy Englebrecht Events, features the much-anticipated return of Russian heavyweight superstar Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, in association with M-1, and supported by an star studded undercard, July 19th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Fedor (27-1), the former undisputed PRIDE® heavyweight champion and Russian M-1 legend, has been universally recognized for the past five years as the most dominating heavyweight in the world. He faces former two-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), fighting out of Iowa by way of his native Maine.

An impressive four-fight undercard will be loaded with Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett (21-5) of Seattle facing off stateside for the first time in two years in a grudge match against the only opponent to ever knock him out—Brazilian strongman Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-7).

Three-time All-American wrestler Mike Whitehead (20-5), of Salt Lake City will battle Brazilian sensation Renato “Babalu” Sobral (29-7) of Costa Mesa, California. 2000 Olympic Wrestling Silver Medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland (20-5) of Oregon City faces Brazilian favorite Fabio “Negao” Nascimento (8-3). Former IFL® titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (29-5) of Kenosha, Wisconsin is scheduled to fight Andre “The Pitbull” Arlovski in this groundbreaking event.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00 and are on sale at the Honda Center Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

Contact: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, mailto:bobtfc@hotmail.com

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Lindland Lays Down The Law In And Out Of The Ring
Oregon Politician & World-Class MMA Fighter!

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 17, 2008) – 2000 U.S. Olympic Silver Medal Wrestler, Matt “The Law” Lindland would bring the same dogged determination that made him one of the world’s top professional mixed-martial-artists to a job in the Oregon House of Representatives.

The 38-year-old resident of Oregon City may be near the end of his fighting career, but his political life is just beginning. Recently winning the Republican nomination for House District 52 in Oregon, Lindland received 58-percent of the votes in the primary and has begun his campaign for the general election in the fall.

Oregon suffers from some of the worst unemployment rates in the country, and Lindland believes there’s a solution—if the state became competitive in the global marketplace, jobs would open in the private sector and the quality of life would improve for his prospective constituents. When it comes to building a world-class school system, the would-be Representative believes in shifting power from the bureaucracy to the teachers, parents and principals. Other key issues for him include changing land laws to make them fair to property owners, discontinuing government regulation of property values, and opposing tax increases. Lindland offers an alternative to the Democrats’ planned tax hikes, which he feels would be dangerous to an already shaky economy. Instead, he proposes that if tax revenues continue to decline, state government should spend less and not raise taxes for families already suffering from the present recession.

The Oregonian endorsed Lindland’s candidacy: Lindland, who is making his first run for public office, is a conservative who thinks state government takes too much out of the pockets of families and generally interferes too much in their lives. After a slow start to his campaign, he has shown signs of the resolve and discipline that made him a medal-winning amateur wrestler. (Phyllis) Thiemann, while very pleasant and interested in some district issues, makes a less compelling argument for her election. We think district Republicans will be hungry for Lindland’s gift.

Lindland has been a fighter all of his life. In fact, he earned his nickname, “The Law,” in an unusual way. He lost the championship final of the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials to Keith Sieracki, who, according to Lindland, tripped him. Lindland appealed, based on rules prohibiting Greco-Roman wrestlers from using their legs for advantage and/or defensive/offensive moves. An arbitrator ordered a rematch and Lindland won. The U.S. Olympic Committee appealed in federal court to keep Sieracki on the team. A three-judge panel and federal district judge all decided in Lindland’s favor. A USOC request in the U.S. Supreme Court was denied. Lindland joined Team USA, captured an Olympic silver medal, and later took the nickname, “The Law.”

Lindland, who has won 20 of his 25 pro MMA fights, is matched against Fabio “Negao” Nascimento in one of five MMA bouts on “Affliction Banned,” July 19 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This event is headlined by the much-anticipated return of Russian heavyweight superstar and former undisputed PRIDE® champion Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1) in association with M-1, against former 2-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4).

“I’m so excited to be part of this show,” Lindland said. “I’m excited to be back in the gym and honored to be part of this great card. I love fighting in this arena more than in politics because I know my opponent in the ring. I look him right in the eyes.”

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Affliction Entertainment
Presents
The Greatest MMA Event
In the History of the Sport July 19 PPV in Anaheim

SIGNAL HILL, California (June 11, 2008) – Affliction Entertainment will make MMA history with the greatest line-up of mixed-martial-arts fights ever presented in one night. Live on July 19th, from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, “Affliction Banned” will showcase talent from around the world in the fastest growing sport on earth.

The superstar-studded card is so stacked with talent that it had to be separated into two live shows produced for broadcast. The night’s activities will kick off with a one-hour, free live telecast on FSN (Fox Sports Net) starting at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM/ET), dubbed “Affliction Live.” Following that is “Affliction Banned”—five incredible fights on pay-per-view starting at 6 PM/PT (9 PM/ET) via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewers Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Kicking off the night with “Affliction Live” on FSN is the highly anticipated US debut of Russian heavyweight Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3), brother of Fedor Emelianenko, against tough Texan brawler Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello (23-10), of Amarillo, and Brazilian strongman, Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira (13-3) against veteran Vernon “Tiger” White (26-32-2), fighting out of Palo Alto, California.

Then, live on pay-per-view, “Affliction Banned” features the much-anticipated return of the former undisputed PRIDE® heavyweight champion and Russian M-1 legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1), who takes on former 2-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), fighting out of Iowa by way of his native Maine, in the main event.

The co-feature of the night will match Former UFC® heavyweight title-holder Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (12-5), fighting out of Chicago by way of Belarus, facing IFL® titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (29-5) of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The PPV action continues with three more super showdowns as Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett (21-5) of Seattle, faces off stateside for the first time in two years in a grudge match against the only opponent to ever knock him out—Brazilian strongman Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-7); three-time All-American wrestler Mike Whitehead (20-5) of Salt Lake City battles Brazilian sensation Renato “Babalu” Sobral (29-7) of Costa Mesa, California; and 2000 Olympic Wrestling Silver Medalist and Oregon House of Representative candidate, Matt “The Law” Lindland (20-5) meets Brazilian favorite Fabio “Negao” Nascimento (8-3).

Finally, for the thousands in attendance at the Honda Center, the off television swing bouts will fill out an exciting night of action as light-heavyweights Terry Martin (16-4) of Chicago vs. Victor “The Phenom” Belfort (16-8) from Brazil, and Justin Levens (9-8) of Laguna Niguel (CA) vs. unbeaten San Diego prospect Patrick Speight (6-0); welterweight JJ Ambrose (9-1) of Lakewood (CA) vs. Mike “Quicksand” Pyle (15-5-1) of Las Vegas; and lightweight Savant Young (8-7) of Lakewood (CA) vs. Mark “The Machine” Hominick (15-8), representing Ontario, Canada.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at the Honda Center Box Office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

To download all video, photos and PR-related media go to: http://www.afflictionbanned.com/media.html

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Michael Cohen Named COO of Affliction Entertainment
“Affliction Banned” PPV show July 19 in Anaheim

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (June 10, 2008) – Last week at a press conference in New York City, Affliction, the premier fashion label for men who love hard rock and fast living, announced its partnership with Donald J. Trump. Today, Michael D. Cohen, Executive Vice President & Special Counsel to Mr. Trump, was named Chief Operating Officer for Affliction Entertainment.

Affliction and The Trump Organization, in association with Roy Englebrecht Events, will present their entry into the world of professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) with its first event, “Affliction Banned,” scheduled for July 19, 2008 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

“I’m extremely honored to serve as COO for Affliction Entertainment,” Mr. Cohen said. “MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world and I’ve been a tremendous fan for years. I can assure everyone – fans watching on pay-per-view and those in attendance from all over the world – that our upcoming pay-per-view show will be the greatest MMA night ever. I’m nearly speechless knowing Mr. Trump and Affliction have the trust in me for an event that features the greatest assembly of MMA fighters for one show in MMA history. This is like having Ali, Frazier, Tyson, Holyfield and other top heavyweights all on the same boxing card. It’s unprecedented and will revolutionize the way MMA fans view this sport.”

The star-studded “Affliction Banned” will be headlined by the much-anticipated return of Russian heavyweight superstar and former undisputed PRIDE® champion Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1) in association with M-1, against former 2-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4).

“Affliction Banned” will be distributed on Pay-Per-View and air live (9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT) on cable and satellite in the USA and Canada via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewer’s Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice for a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned” range between $50.00 and $1,000.00, and are on sale at the Honda Center box office and also online at Ticketmaster.com.

To download all video, photos and PR-related media go to: http://www.afflictionbanned.com/media.html

Affliction
Already a mainstay for the most elite athletes, heaviest bands, A-listers and the fashion conscious, Affliction Clothing’s ability to set the bar high in fashion is evident in its collection’s indulgence of style and design, focus on quality, and its trademark series of divinely executed, dark and powerful themes. (www.afflictionclothing.com)

The Trump Organization
The Trump Organization encompasses global real estate development and global licensing, sales and marketing, property management, golf course development, entertainment, entertainment and product licensing, brand development, as well as restaurants and event planning. Donald J. Trump is the Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, a privately held company in New York. (www.Trump.com)

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New Partnership: Trump in Affliction's Corner
Arlovski Added to “Affliction Banned” MMA Show
July 19 PPV Show in Anaheim!

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (June 5, 2008) – Affliction, the premier fashion label for men who love hard rock and fast living, pulled out its Trump card today when the company officially announced its partnership with Donald J. Trump at a press conference held in Trump Tower. Trump addressed the press and outlined his involvement with Affliction and their entry into the world of professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) with its first event named, “Affliction Banned,” scheduled for July 19, 2008 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California in association with Roy Englebrecht Events.

“We are very excited to be partnering with the most recognized and accomplished business mogul in the world,” Affliction vice president Tom Atencio said. “Trump is a true visionary who shares our belief in the future of MMA.”

“I have been a fan of professional sports since childhood, and I am particularly impressed by the athleticism, courage, and strength of these disciplined athletes,” Donald J. Trump remarked. “This particular sport resembles my business style of being fast paced, strategic, and aggressive…remembering to never give up. I am particularly excited to partner with Affliction and become a major player in promotion of MMA; the youngest and fastest growing sport to emerge in the last century.”

“I’ve been a big fan of fighting for years, going back to when Mike Tyson was in his heyday, and ‘The Battle of the Billionaires’ was the biggest wrestling event of all-time,” Trump continued. “July 19th will be an amazing event. MMA is exploding.”

It was also announced today that former UFC® heavyweight champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski has officially signed to fight former IFL® heavyweight title-holder “Big” Ben Rothwell. The match has been added to the already star studded July 19th MMA show on pay-per-view.

“I’m excited about participating in this new promotion with all of these great fighters,” Arlovski called in to say. “I’m looking forward to fighting Ben Rothwell.”

“Affliction Banned” will be headlined by the much-anticipated return of Russian heavyweight superstar and former undisputed PRIDE® champion Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (27-1) in association with M-1, against former 2-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), fighting out of Iowa by way of his native Maine.

“Affliction Banned” will be distributed on Pay-Per-View and air live (9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT) on cable and satellite viewing in the USA and Canada via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewer’s Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice for a suggested retail price of $39.95. The telecast will be available in both standard and high definition television.

In 2005, Arlovski beat Sylvia (SUB1) for the Interim heavyweight title (champion Frank Mir was injured in a motorcycle accident) and Andrei followed with successful Interim title defenses against Justin Eilers (TKO1) and Paul Buentello (KO1). Arlovski was promoted from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion on December 8, 2005 when Mir wasn’t fully recovered from a motorcycle injury. The Belarus-native Arlovski now lives in and fights out of Chicago.

The exciting All-World undercard is stacked with Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett (22-5), of Seattle, facing-off stateside for the first time in two years in a grudge match against the only opponent to ever knock him out, Brazilian strongman Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-7); three-time All-America wrestler Mike Whitehead (20-5), of Salt Lake City, takes on Brazilian sensation Renato “Babalu” Sobral (29-7), of Costa Mesa, California; 2000 Olympic wrestling silver medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland (20-5), of Oregon City, battles Brazilian favorite Fabio “Negao” Nascimento (8-3).

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“Affliction Banned” takes Big Apple by Storm
Pulls our their Trump card!

NEW YORK (May 22, 2008) – A large, enthusiastic crowd welcomed some of the world’s top mixed-martial-arts fighters to New York City at today’s “Affliction Banned” press conference in Trump Tower.

Donald Trump welcomed everyone to Trump Tower. “These are all tough guys,” he said as he looked across the head table. “We’re all tough, right? I asked one of these guys how long I’d last and looked at me like I was kidding. Affliction is going to do very well and I look forward to being there for it.”

Affliction will make history July 19 presenting its own Mixed-Martial-Arts pay-per-view event in association with Roy Englebrecht Events, appropriately named “Affliction Banned,” featuring the much-anticipated return of Russian heavyweight superstar Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko in association with M-1, supported by an All-World caliber undercard, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

“July 19th is going to be a milestone for both Affliction and Mixed Martial Arts,” remarked Tom Atencio, Vice President of Affliction. “For fans of Affliction and core fans of MMA this event not only features an incredibly stacked card with the best fighters in the world, but, more importantly, it marks the emergence of a new era in MMA. Affliction Clothing is proud to be at the forefront of this new time, when promoters and fighters can come together and produce the fights that fans want to see. Our mission is simple: support the people who have supported us and bring the fans of MMA the best fights possible with the best fighters from around the world. Ladies and gentlemen, I formally announce to you Affliction’s entry into the arena of MMA and I’m extremely excited to introduce you to the fighters of Affliction Banned.”

Fedor (27-1), the former undisputed PRIDE® heavyweight champion and Russian M-1 legend, has been universally recognized the past five years as the most dominating heavyweight in the world. He will fight former 2-time UFC® heavyweight title-holder Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (24-4), fighting out of Iowa by way of his native Maine.

The exciting four-fight undercard is loaded with Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett (21-5), of Seattle, facing-off stateside for the first time in two years in a grudge match against the only opponent to ever knock him out, Brazilian strongman Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-7). Three-time All-America wrestler Mike Whitehead (20-5), of Salt Lake City, will battle Brazilian sensation Renato “Babalu” Sobral (29-7), of Costa Mesa, California. 2000 Olympic wrestling silver medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland (20-5), of Oregon City, faces Brazilian favorite Fabio “Negao” Nascimento (8-3). Former IFL® titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (29-5), of Kenosha, Wisconsin, is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in this groundbreaking event.

Tickets for “Affliction Banned,” ranging between $50.00 and $1,000.00, are on sale at the Honda Center box office. More than $250,000 in ticket sales was reportedly sold within the first 30 minutes of release this past Tuesday. Tickets to the event are currently available online at Ticketmaster.com.

“Affliction Banned” will be distributed on Pay-Per-View and air live (9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT) on cable and satellite viewing in the USA and Canada via iN DEMAND, TVN, Shaw Communications, Viewer’s Choice Canada, DirecTV, DISH Network, Bell ExpressVue and Star Choice for a suggested retail price of $39.95. The telecast will be available in both standard and high definition television. The PPV telecast will be available in both standard and high definition television.

Fox Sports Net television will broadcast a non-paying per view undercard live, including fighters such as Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Fedor’s brother, Aleksander Emelianenko, leading into the monster pay-per-view event. True to its foundation in fashion, Affliction passed out thousands of T-shirts and posters to the crowd. The eight fighters, including Fedor and Sylvia, were able to meet-and-greet fans as well as sign shirts following the press conference.

PRESS CONFERENCE FIGHTER QUOTES

Fedor Emelianenko: “I want to thank Affliction for giving me this opportunity to fight the strongest athletes in the world. My respect to Tim. I’m sure you’ll all love the show on July 19th.”

Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia: “July 19th is going to be a great show. I’m fortunate that Affliction got me on this card. A lot of people have been after Fedor and I got him. He’s a great athlete and fighter deserving of everything he’s received. I’ve been known to throw a money wrench into the worlds and I plan on doing it again. The whole card is stacked and that’s what fans want. Tune in July 19th for an awesome show in Anaheim. I’m no sacrificial lamb. A lot of guys won’t fight Fedor but I will. He’s been like a myth. This will be only his second fight in the United States. If I do my best I believe I’ll be victorious. He’s 6-feet, I’m 6-8, so I want to fight standing up.”

Josh “The Baby Faced Assassin” Barnett: “It’s nice to have a press conference like this. I just got off a plane from Japan (where he won a fight). I’d like to stress that this event crosses over to all sports and entertainment, not only the MMA community. You can have all of the fireworks but it’s up to us (fighters) to make the biggest bang. We will be spending a lot of time in the gym to give everybody everything they want. It’s not enough to just have a fight. We want to give fans an event that they’ll talk about for a long time.

“You play football. You play basketball. You don’t play fighting. Playing isn’t involved in this sport. We take it to the extreme – the people out there believe a kick in the head, or a punch in the eye, is extreme – but we get to know who we really are and see true characters even in this violent sport. I love Pedro; he’s a wonderful guy. I love him so much I’m going to hug him to death on July 19th.”

Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo: “Affliction has put together a great card. It’s going to be the best of the year, maybe ever, on July 19th.”

Mike Whitehead: “I want to thank Tom and Todd (Affliction) for giving me this opportunity. Fans who’ve followed me throughout my career know that I’ve always wanted to get into a fight like this against a tough guy like ‘Babalu.’ The best way to show respect is to be the best we can be for fans who will be there or watching on pay-per-view. I’m meeting ‘Babalu’ and when we get in there it’s going to be like cartoons – dusts and fist flying and we’ll see what happens when the dust settles.”

Renato “Babalu” Sobral: “I’m very proud to be here with all of these stars. My opponent is a very tough guy. This

show is going to sellout in my backyard, Orange County.”

Matt “The Law” Lindland: “I’m so excited to be part of this show. I’m excited to get back in the gym. It’s been since April against since I fought this guy (Fedor). I don’t know why I moved up to two divisions to fight him. I’m honored to be part of this great card. I love fighting in this arena more than in politics (last Tuesday Matt won the Republican nomination for House District 52 in Oregon). I know who my opponent is in the ring. I look him right in the eyes.”

Fabio “Negao” Nascimento: “I’m happy to be part of this great event. It’s going to be a great honor fighting the caliber of fighter like Matt Lindland. It’s a great honor to fight for all of you guys.”

“Big” Ben Rothwell: “It’s an epic card. I’m honored to be on it and up here with all of these great fighters. Affliction has stepped up to give fans what they deserve. July 19th is going to be one helluva show.”